Chapter 13

Sunlight spilled softly through the curtains, casting pale gold across the rumpled sheets. Kathy stretched, her bare feet finding the cool floor as she slid quietly out from beneath the covers, careful not to disturb Anthony’s deep, even breathing.

Padding into the bathroom, she glanced at her reflection: hair tousled, yesterday’s makeup a faint memory, and the unmistakable need for a toothbrush. She rummaged hopefully through the cabinets, until she spotted a box—unopened, gleaming white—a brand new toothbrush and toothpaste. Relief flooded through her as she tore open the packaging, grateful for this small mercy of someone else’s home.

Brushing her teeth, she relived the passionate encounter with Anthony from the night before, her heart racing at the thought. It dawned on her that she hadn’t planned for an overnight stay—no spare shirt, no clean jeans, not even a change of socks. She tried to suppress the unease that flickered beneath the surface, focusing instead on the rhythmic motion of the toothbrush and the promise of hot water on her skin. The morning was full of unknowns, but for now she let herself enjoy the quiet possibility—just maybe—of borrowing a t-shirt from Anthony’s drawer. Anthony came into the bathroom while she was in there just to use the toilet, snap her out of her daydream.

"You couldn't wait until I finished brushing my teeth."

“I didn’t know you were in here. How did you sleep?”

“I slept okay. I'm leaving because I have no clothes. I'd like to take a shower.

Following the toilet flush, Anthony approached the sink as Kathy stepped aside, allowing him to wash his hands and retrieve his toothbrush. After Kathy finished and wiped her mouth and hands with the towel, she noticed a ring on her finger and looked at Anthony.

“Anthony,” she whispered, twisting the ring around her finger, “what is the meaning of this wedding ring?”

“While you were sleeping, I gently placed the ring on your finger.”

"What is a ring on my finger?" she wondered aloud.

“We are husband and wife. You're doing this to avoid your father's nagging, aren't you?”

“Yes, but I was kidding about that I didn’t know what I was saying,”

Anthony pulled Kathy close, she gazed at him, his wife in name only, a title she used to appease her father. She could act as Anthony's wife until she obtains her mother's belongings; however, she will require Anthony's assistance.

"What are you thinking about, my dear?"

"Before I forget, I wanted to ask you something."

"I'd like to live in the house next door," Kathy said.

"What house do you mean?" questioned Anthony.

“As we pulled up to this house, I saw the empty house next to this house,”

Anthony just remembered the house Kathy mentioned. It's his, but he never used it—not even his ex-lover knew about it, so she wants to move in.

“Oh, that house. It’s mine I just never used it. I will move in there with you,”

"No, your room's right here in this large house."

Anthony's breath on her neck deepened her blush, but she pushed him away just as a knock came at the door, interrupting him. Kathy left the bathroom and answered the door to find a young maid, who appeared to be about eighteen, smiling and carrying clothes.

“Good morning, Mr. Thompson told me to bring you some clothes,”

“Um…thank you,”

“You’re welcome… breakfast will serve soon,”

“Oh ok,”

Kathy closed the door and saw some brand-new clothes that looked like her size, but how did Anthony know her clothing size? Adding to his mysterious nature, she's hungry from not having eaten the night before. Seeing her boss's name on the caller ID, Kathy answered her phone.

“Good morning, boss. Did you get my text?”

“Yes, I did. However, I need you to do a double for me because two people call out and I am short stuff, right? Can you come in today?”

“I don’t have my uniform with me,”

New uniforms have arrived at my office—please stop by. I'll pay you twice the amount.

“Allow me an hour, and I will arrive.”

"Looking forward to seeing you soon!"

Kathy hung up, cursing herself for having to go to work. She'd hoped her boss would let her have the day off, but she knew some people would come in only to call out on payday. However, her boss promised to double her paycheck. She sighed, needing to collect her uniform from home, but after her father's actions, she dreaded returning. Working at The City Night Club can be tough; some patrons are pleasant, but others are not. Kathy protects the young women working there from harassment. She decided to quickly shower and change into some new clothes before driving to work.

Just as she was about to enter the bathroom, Anthony leaned on the sink, holding clean clothes in his arms, as if waiting for her. She glanced at him, then at the shower.

“I need to take a shower.

“My boss wants to come in to do a double shift. I have to skip breakfast,”

Don't skip any meals—breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The chef will prepare meals you can take with you.

“Thank you,”

Anthony exited the bathroom just as Kathy walked up to the shower and opened the door to start the water. Moreover, since she's out-of-body wash, she'll use Anthony's. She got a washcloth from the drawer, removed her clothes, and enjoyed the hot water as she showered. As Kathy showered, Anthony was getting dressed when Miles knocked, walked in, and bowed to his alpha. Miles closed the door behind him, leaned against it, and heard the shower running, but his Alpha was already dressing.

“Morning Alpha,”

“What was said to Kathy?” Anthony stated that he used his alpha command.

Miles exposed his neck to Anthony, sighing as he knew he had to tell his Alpha the truth.

“She inquired about your eyes and the incident. So, I mentioned to her that I understand it's not my place to say, but she wanted to know.”

Despite Anthony's efforts to keep it secret from Kathy, Miles revealed the truth, preventing Anthony from relaxing and leading to his punishment. Miles remains on his knees, aware that his alpha is extremely displeased with him for confiding in Kathy about his past with his ex-lover Maria. Miles should have kept quiet; now he'll be punished, maybe even made to run through the woods until he learns his lesson.

Please have the servant clean and restock the kitchen in the house next to the packhouse. Kathy wants to live there, and I gave her permission. Afterward, we'll pick up Kathy's belongings from her father's place and the penthouse.

“Yes, alpha,”

“Miles, don't share any more details about my life with Kathy. You will face a harsh punishment. Is everything clear?”

“Yes, Alpha

Rising from the floor, Miles bowed to his alpha before exiting the bedroom and closing the door; Anthony could hear the shower running. The smell of his body wash wafts from the bathroom to where he sits.